Our Responsibility Report 2023/24, published together with CWS Workwear, highlights our ongoing commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. In this report we explain our three focus areas: what we bring into the cycle, how we operate the cycle and how we close the cycle. Our efforts span the entire value chain and include sustainable sourcing practices, energy monitoring, the use of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics and waste reduction initiatives.
We care
We care what we bring into the cycle
We continuously optimize our products to have a positive impact on people & planet and partner with suppliers who pursue the similarly high standards.
We care how we operate the cycle
We constantly improve our operations with the aim to protect our environment, especially with regards to carbon emissions and water.
We care to close the cycle
We close the loop with extended repairing and refurbishment activities to prolong the lifecycle of our products and allow for recycling at end of life.
Our responsibility in figures
By 2030, we aim to reduce CO2 by 50%.
Our cotton towel rolls can be washed and reused up to 100 times.
Our recycled polyester mats give over 1 mio PET bottles a second live p.a.
All our soaps are 100% free of microplastics.
By 2030, 30% of our fleet will be electric.
We saved 1,900t of CO2 by laundry optimization in the past 3 years.
Our laundry water is used up to four times, saving 4 l/kg of fresh water.
We purchase 100% green energy for most of our locations.
At CWS Hygiene, sustainability is at the heart of our business strategy. We believe that taking responsibility for the environment and society is essential for a healthier future worth living. By integrating sustainable solutions into our services and optimising our operations, we aim to make a positive impact.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
We are guided by the official sustainability goals of the United Nations, also known as Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The UN formulates a total of 17 political development goals, which are divided into the three areas of economy, ecology and social affairs. At CWS Hygiene, we support this holistic approach with a wide range of activities.
SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
Clean water is indispensable for the health of people and nature. That is why we take a variety of measures to reduce the use of environmentally harmful chemicals in washing processes and minimise our fresh water consumption by all means. For example by:
- Investing in water treatment
- Resource-saving washing programmes
- Re-using water in our laundries
- Microplastic-free products
SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
For us, the focus is always on people. That is why we work on the satisfaction of our employees as well as that of our customers. We check that social standards in the supply chain and compliance rules are adhered to. We favour the diversity of our workforce and promote the talent, health and safety of all the people who work for us.
- QESH activities (Quality, Environment, Safety & Health)
- Use of Fairtrade cotton
- BSCI partnership (Business Social Compliance Initiative)
- United Nations Global Compact membership (UNGC)
SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production
Our business model is based on the idea of a continuous and consistent circular economy. We are continuously working on making our products more and more sustainable while maintaining the same performance and extending their service life with constant quality. Following the Circular Economy approach, we already think about the entire life cycle during development.
- Rental service at the core of our business model
- Recycling of our dispensers
- Use of Fairtrade cotton and FSC paper
SDG 13: Climate Action
We are actively involved in the fight against climate change. We are continuously reducing our CO2 emissions and energy consumption. With our circular business model, we also help to conserve other resources.
- Cooperation with ClimatePartner
- Resource-saving washing processes
- Expansion of e-mobility
SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
With sustainable products, we can create added value for the customer and at the same time drive positive development for people and the environment. We also look at our supply chains and work to achieve fair working conditions and minimal environmental impact.
- Membership of the UN Global Compact
- Membership of the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI)
- Cooperation with World Toilet Organization
- Cooperation with Made Blue